This database is intended to be a useful tool for content production teams covering cross-border events, as well as for administrations for harmonization studies by seeing common denominators of permitted frequency bands among different counties.
Electronic News Gathering (ENG) is one of a family of applications (see Chapter 1 of Report ITU-R BT.2344) which includes the generic term Programme Making & Special Events (PMSE), all use the same types of equipment, namely radio microphones, in-ear monitors (IEM), interruptible foldback (IFB), intercom systems, and video links - including RF Cameras and remote video for breaking news. In many cases the IEM, IFB and radio microphones use the same spectrum bands on a national basis irrespective of application. ENG/ PMSE video links often share fixed link allocations that are common among many administrations.
The use of PMSE equipment is peripatetic as news, concerts, sporting events, etc., regularly cross borders and continents. Resolution ITU-R 59-3 recognizes this and requests a database to identify available spectrum on a regional and worldwide basis. This database seeks to fulfil that requirement. The importance of Resolution ITU-R 59-3 is heightened in light of relevant changes in spectrum use as administrations transition from analogue TV to digital TV and mobile broadband. Regional and global harmonization of frequency bands for ENG / PMSE (i.e. wireless microphones and video links) provide economies of scale and logistical practicality, especially for networks and production companies covering global news, sports and entertainment events, such as elections and international sport events, conferences and concert tours. At times, ENG / PMSE crews also provide early and essential disaster alert information.
Previously submitted information in response to Circular Letter CACE/
1008 can be found
here.
